MECOSTA COUNTY - Sheriff's deputies have found Sean McLafferty, the suspect in Monday's murder of Kristie Rae Purcey, dead of self-inflicted stab wounds inside a house near Six Mile Road and 40th Avenue, authorities said.

Inside the residence, the officers found McLafferty with a stab wound to his chest, prompting a call for medical help. Deputies also administered first aid, authorities said.

McLafferty was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suicide brings a close to a three-day ordeal that began with Grand Rapids police discovering Purcey's body inside a garage at an apartment rented by McLafferty, 34. Police say the 32-year-old victim had also been living at the residence.

Grand Rapids officers were called to look for McLafferty and check on his well-being based on unusual messages he communicated to his soon-to-be ex-wife and a friend. The messages caused alarm that he may hurt himself, but gave no indication anyone else was in danger, police said.

The relationship between McLafferty and Purcey is unclear. Both were divorcing their spouses and McLafferty once supervised Purcey when each worked at Amway. McLafferty resigned Nov. 8, company officials said.